Probably not too many words in the English language as frightening as "Diabetes", especially if you have been told that you have it! Yesterday ..that is exactly what I heard from my doctor.
The "Gift"
Diabetes has been in my family for generations -- another 'gift' passed down through the ages from grandmother to mother to my sisters. When I say "gift," I truly mean it. How could a declaration like "You have diabetes" be a gift?
First of all, as an alternative health geek (what I fondly refer to myself as from time to time), I know that Diabetes can be hereditary. I also know that diet and exercise can affect the outcome of the bodily processes that the body experiences when the blood glucose count is higher than normal. And, further, I know that there are natural, alternative methods of controlling these processes. The 'gift' part comes in here .... Once you know what it is you are dealing with, you can then take necessary steps to regain control of your health and move forward. The gift is 'awareness', 'action' and finally 'results.'
The Dis-ease In Brief
Type II Diabetes is also known as Adult Onset Diabetes and differs from Type I Diabetes, which is often called 'Juvenile Diabetes" -- because Type II is preventable.
Type I Diabetes normally refers to the result of being 'born' with a dysfunctional pancreas, perhaps inherited from parents who ate the wrong foods, perhaps for other reasons.
Our 'convenient' diet of fast and over-processed foods is a large contributor to the rise of Type II Diabetics today.
Our bodies, having been bombarded with huge amounts of sugar and milled products, become resistant to the insulin that the pancreas produces. As such, the insulin that the body produces becomes diminished in potency as we age, causing pre-Diabetes and finally, full blown Diabetes.
So, with that in mind ... let's look at alternative methods of control for the dreaded declaration of "You have diabetes'!
Super Foods
Recent alternative research claims that a little known vegetable is a veritable powerhouse of insulin-like Phytochemicals that is structurally identical to insulin. Blood sugar can be naturally balanced by adding Chinese Cucumber (a/k/a Bitter Melon) to the diet. The combination of Swiss Chard and Chinese Cucumber has been shown to positively impact the blood glucose levels in Type II Diabetics.
Of course, I am not implying that these two vegetables can do it alone. We have to help by adhering to a good regimen of diet and exercise. However, including these two super foods to the diet will greatly enhance the body's ability to heal by providing a natural insulin component which the body recognizes and utilizes.
More Super Foods To Add To Your Diet
Cucumbers contain a high concentration of Phytochemicals that improve the function of insulin. These Phytochemicals are contained in the seeds and skin of the vegetable, so in order to obtain the benefit, one must use all parts of it! Don't toss out the skin !
The trace mineral Chromium is an important receptor that assists cells in responding to insulin. Natural Chromium is concentrated in the green tops of bunching onions --- so don't throw those tops away -- use in cooking, salads and in juicing. Chromium Picolinate is also available in capsule form.
Cumin powder, a tasty constituent of Mexican fare, is one of the two most valuable herbs that helps the body to balance blood sugar. It improves the function of insulin present in the system. The other important herb is Cinnamon. Cinnamon improves the metabolism of carbohydrates and gives rise to energy levels.
Reishi Mushroom is an important natural warrior in the battle against heart disease. All Diabetics could benefit from adding Reishi Mushroom to their diet because of its wide range healing effects to the immune and circulatorty system. Ssince fresh Reishi Mushroom has a very bitter taste, it is best taken as a liquid extract in warm water, or in tea bag form for drinking.
Swiss Chard, as previously mentioned, is structurally identical to the insulin that the body produces. Diabetics should eat ten (10) leafy stalks a day, every day. You may add a few to your raw veggie smoothie, and add the remainder in your daiily salad.
Chinese Cucumber (Bitter Melon) can be added to the diet in a raw vegetable smoothie, as well. (Note: Hypoglycemics should avoid this veggie because of its glucose lowering abilities.)
More Good Additions
Natural sugars from Beets and Carrots actually help heal the body. Don't be afraid of adding them to your raw vegetable smoothie.
Substitute Sweet Potatoes for white Potatoes! They are less starchy and what starch they contain is actually good for you. Sweet Potatoes are also high in protein. The real problem with Sweet Potatoes is the stuff we smother then in, so ... leave out the brown sugar and butter! Enjoy its naturally sweet flavor -- as is!
Beans (legumes) are natures nutritional powerhouse offering both protein and fiber, but .. also contain youth-preserving Phytoestrogens which help to keep you looking your best. Look for dried Fava, Black, Lentil and Kidney beans and add them to your diet. Soak them overnight to minimize the gas-producing qualities, if you prefer!
Avocados contain good quality fats that are important to the system. Avocado can be added to raw smoothies, salads, even made into a tasty spread for crackers and whole grain sandwiches.
Olive Oil -- the only oil you will ever need. It is highest in mono-unsaturated fat and contains Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, which is healing and cleansing to the liver. Olive Oil contains high concentrations of antioxidants, chlorophyll, carotenoids and numerous polyphenic compounds which act as scavengers in the system to remove free radicals, the 'tarnish' that causes multiple health problems.
Okra is a natural artery scrubber -- but don't eat it fried ! It contains special fibers that yank fat out of the system, so add fresh Okra to soups and stews. Okra looks slimy inside, but .. is virtually tasteless in raw veggie smoothies.. Try it !
Fish is the best natural resource for Omega 3 fats which are vital for good health, especially for the Diabetic. However, pollution has caused a lot of nature's sea bounty to become contaminated with high mercury content. To chelate out heavy metals, use fresh Cilantro with your fish dishes. The best fish to eat with highest Omega 3 concentration are Wild Salmon, Trout, Flounder, Tilapia, Haddock and ... Sardines !
Lastly ...
Diabetes is not a death sentence, but could be if left to go unchecked. Do your homework and research alternative methods to promote good health. The Internet is chock-full of information. "Google" the information provided in this post. Knowlege is power ;)
Listen to your health care practitioner and tell them that you are interested in taking a pro-active attitude toward treating yourself by adding fresh, raw foods to your diet. Your practitioner will applaud your positive efforts!
Get plenty of rest and outdoor exercise. The body needs time to recoup after an active day, so early to bed and early to rise, if this suits your schedule. No matter what type of person you are .. a night owl or early bird .. remember to get at least 8 hours of sleep!
Oxygen is vital to life .. get plenty of outside time to keep your cells refreshed. When the sun comes out, take a walk or stretch break and deep breathe nature's energy promoter -- fresh air !
Many blessings one and all ... I hope this information proves valuable to you.
Warmly
Dolphyn